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Low GPA not affecting Median?

Low GPA not affecting Median?

Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2010 5:32 pm

by Foosters Galore

Ok, forgive me for not fully grasping this concept, but several people have told me that schools will definitely consider me because my LSAT is well above the 75% and that I shouldn't worry about my low GPA (<25%) because that will not affect their GPA median. I am admittedly lost when it comes to mathematical concepts and do not understand this reasoning. If someone could explain how a schools taking me with my low GPA would not affect their median I would appreciate it.

Re: Low GPA not affecting Median?

Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2010 5:35 pm

by superserial

because they'll counteract it with someone whose GPA is above median, and the median will remain unchanged.

Re: Low GPA not affecting Median?

Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2010 5:36 pm

by Foosters Galore

Gotcha. Thanks

Re: Low GPA not affecting Median?

Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2010 5:51 pm

by BenJ

Once you go above the 75th or below the 25th, the degree to which you are above it or below it ceases to matter, from a mathematical perspective. It still matters from an admissions perspective, of course, it just doesn't change their numbers. Harvard won't even consider a 2.35 GPA when they have plenty of 3.65s to choose from, but the 2.35 and the 3.65 have the exact same impact on Harvard's 25th percentile.

Re: Low GPA not affecting Median?

Posted: Mon Feb 01, 2010 9:21 am

by englawyer

if you have a class that consists of:

100 180/2.0 people100 120/4.0 people1 180/4.0

the median stats are 180/4.0. This effect explains plenty of LSN behavior....cool right?